iwdplz wrote:
....
inspector says that since the main panel in the basement doesn't have a
main breaker, it is a code violation. Instead the main breaker is
outside near the pole which the home inspector is calling a
"supplementary disconnect." He says the main panel needs to be replaced
which would cost thousands. He didn't tell us what NEC code section was
violated so we asked him but it will take a few days for him to retrieve
this info, but seller and buyer are anxious to proceed sooner.
....
Is there a code violation that my brother should ask the seller to
remedy? I am not sure how the electrical inspector could miss something
so basic when the home was built in 1999. That makes me wonder if the
general home inspector is correct or not. Or was there an update to the
NEC in the past few years? What section/paragraph is not in compliance?

No NEC violation; all NEC says is a device must be provided "at or near"
the point where the service wires enter the building to disconnect the
entire building from its source of supply. The other requirement is
that there be overcurrent protection for the entire installation. If
that outside disconnect is fused or a circuit breaker, that's done as
well. Inside/outside location of this service equipment isn't mentioned.

There could possibly be local restrictions in addition to those of the
NEC but it would seem unusual this one would be one.

As for the what to do question, as somebody else noted, check w/ the
local jurisdiction as to the actual requirements. All you really need
is the ability to get any required COO to close the deal safely; while
could just ignore it and go on wouldn't really want to do so until know
there won't be an issue in occupancy in areas that may require such a thing.

_IF_ (the proverbial "big if") the need to install an inside disconnect
were to actually arise, it would seem that the simplest would be to
simply add a disconnect in front of the existing panel, run the feed to
it and then to the panel. That could be a few hundreds, not thousands.
There is some convenience in the rare occasions that one does want to
shut power off for some maintenance activity perhaps, but if the above
requirements are met and meet any local code, you're good to go.

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